Legal Research and Writing I 1

Basics of formatting and organization 2

The Goal of a Resume Clearly and concisely communicate your experience and qualifications in the best light possible Create an overall professional, mature, conservative image - confirm that you have desired qualifications - confirm that you are mature and have good judgment 3

How to Do it Correctly Use required UGA Law format – template found at www. law.uga.edu/resumes-tips-and-samples Formatting is important – get it right; be consistent Wording – active voice and active verbs No pronouns Remove unnecessary words - keep it concise, clear and focused 4

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Components of Resume Heading Education Experience Additional Information 6

Resume Basics Length - one page only for most positions Margins – one inch all around Font – 11 point conventional font (Arial, Times New Roman) 7

Heading Section Name, Address, Phone, and Ensure that your address is professional If applying to certain geographic markets, particularly outside of Atlanta, consider using both a local and “home” address to show a geographic connection to the employer 8

Education Reverse chronological order, beginning with law school (J.D. expected, May 2018) List all university degrees earned with dates degrees were awarded Include strong GPAs List Latin honors (e.g., cum laude), Phi Beta Kappa, and thesis awards List school-related information under Honors or Activities 9

Experience Reverse chronological order, beginning with most recent employer List employers, locations, positions, and dates, and give brief descriptions of work, duties and accomplishments 10

Experience-What to Include Should include volunteer work, if significant Emphasize activities that show leadership or management roles, rather than clerical duties Include positions that show: Professional-type experience Industriousness Leadership experience Organizational and time management skills Writing skills 11

Experience Section (cont’d) Employer, location, and dates on the first line Position or title on the second line Describe duties Current job- use present tense Former jobs- use past tense Explain role and contributions Demonstrate substantive work Emphasize outcomes where possible Do not use vague or subjective qualifiers—e.g. effectively, accurately, competently 12

Additional Information Section Catchall for relevant/interesting information that doesn’t fit in the above sections Languages Skills Community service Interests: this gives prospective employers a better sense of you as an individual 13

Things to Avoid Weak/passive verbs - use strong, active verbs (led, managed, collaborated, etc. vs. attended, observed, assisted) Vagueness - if possible, quantify accomplishments (“led team of 10,” rather than “led”) Exaggeration and misrepresentation - violation of Georgia Law’s honor code Underselling yourself 14

References Only include if specifically requested Do not state on resume “available upon request” Prepare a separate reference sheet Include the header from your resume 15

Basics of business letters and cover letter organization 16

Cover Letter Basics A cover letter is your first impression with employer It must be: One page Direct, concise and simply written 100% error free Advocate for your candidacy by: Showing a real interest in the employer Avoiding cliché and boilerplate Being credible and genuine Answering any questions raised by your resume 17

Format of a Business Letter Writer’s contact info centered at top Date Name & address of recipient Re: line Salutation (Dear Ms. Smith:) 3 or 4 paragraphs Closing (Sincerely or Best regards) Signature block 18

Cover Letter Contents Address to a specific person or Hiring Manager State which job you are applying for Indicate your knowledge of and interest in working for the employer Express how your experience and education matches the job requirements Thank the employer for considering your application 19

Cover Letter Format Paragraph 1: Explain who you are and why you are writing Paragraph 2: Explain why you are interested and why you are qualified Paragraph 3: Thank them for consideration of your application and indicate what the next step will be 20

Paragraph 1 First Sentence: who you are and why writing “I am a first year law student at the University of Georgia School of Law, and I am writing to apply for a summer position at [name of firm or organization].” Second Sentence: your career preferences and the reason for your interest in the firm “At this point in my legal education, I am gravitating toward a career in litigation. Your firm’s excellent reputation in this area is appealing to me.” 21

Paragraph 2 Aspects of your experience that demonstrate your qualifications for this particular job Law school activities and/or volunteer experience demonstrating relevant qualifications and interest in this particular job (third paragraph where appropriate) 22

Paragraph 3 or 4 Conclusion: Thank the employer for his or her consideration Indicate how you intend to follow up, if appropriate Sample cover letters may be found at 23

Pitfalls to Avoid Typos or formatting errors Awkward phrasing Jargon/Cliches Rambling “Google test” - reader should not have to Google something in your cover letter to understand it – no acronyms or unexplained industry-specific terms or phrases 24

Draft resume Draft cover letter for sample job posting both to assigned CDO counselor Between October 15 and December 18, Meet with assigned CDO counselor to review drafts of resume and cover letter 25

CDO Counselor Meetings Schedule meetings with your assigned CDO counselor meetings start October 15 Request an appointment via Symplicity or upload cover letter and resume to Symplicity at least 24 hours before the appointment time 26